R.E.M. - What's the Frequency, Kenneth? | Reaction!

With inspiration from Dan Rather's unfortunate incident, this track is all about the generation gap. This protagonist is trying to understand the youth, but it's just impossible. As I mentioned in the video, I like the music shift the band made here. It's a punchy, witty tune.
Thanks for watching!
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[@scottbaron121]

And I LOVE seeing the younger generation react to the "oldies". LOL!

[@gordongellatly703]

"Richard said withdrawal and disgust is not the same as apathy" is the best line. To me it sums up the attitude of a generation rebelling against the the "man" but being labelled apathetic. Great song great band.

[@Az777]

The entire Monster album is primo. Check out Crush with Eyeliner next?

[@rogerhampton9614]

The one that started it all for REM was Radio Free Europe- well worth a listen

[@stevenschembri1288]

What's the Frequency Kenneth is in my top 10 songs of all time. Nothing else needs to be said. Next topic of conversation....

[@thesoundlikechameleons2082]

Monster is a great lp. Crush with eyeliner is a great song too.

[@stewartmitchell8007]

I believe Peter was using one of kurt cobain's guitar on this album too which you see in the video so another nirvana link. Keep em coming Nick.

[@Dreyno]

Used in the video but not sure if it appeared on another song on album. But if it did it wasn’t this song. Pure humbucker sound and he used a Gibson Les Paul live.

[@stewartmitchell8007]

I believe it was let me in which was purely lifts guitar but I've seen an interview with Peter that said it's actually used for parts all over the album. Touching tributes as we all know kurt was meant to spend some time with the guy's the week he died. Great shame. I first saw nirvana in the UK when they supported Tad after the bleach album and he was in great spirit's, seemed to love Tad a great deal. Tad was crazy back then though, lol. A bit more chilled now. Thanks man.

[@piershollott339]

The "fellow kids" is Steve Buscemi from an episode of 30 Rock... totally fits here, and this song reminds me of the NBC page Kenneth from that show... for some weird reason. Mike Mills bassline owns this song, such a great sound on Monster. The line about Richard is a reference to the Richard Linklater movie Slacker, and this song is kind of a take down of the main stream media trying to come to terms with the gen-x slacker attitude.

[@brianstewart3206]

I’m sure Mike’s bassline came first then Mr Buck added the guitar part to fit, complete with a backwards solo recorded on one of Kurt Cobain’s guitar that Courtney Love gave him.

[@leefr76]

Haven’t heard this for years, used to love it. Try reacting to E-bow the letter by R.E.M. next.

[@dominicaaaaa5547]

Good suggestion I would suggest that one too but NICK WONT EVER DO ONE I SUGGEST 😭 ..would also suggest leave though that's a good one isn't it.

[@dominicaaaaa5547]

Though I think that album is overrated

[@drg3712]

👍 E-Bow is the best song. That line ‘aluminum tastes like fear’. I’ve been there once in my life and it’s true. Great great great song.

[@dominicaaaaa5547]

@@drg3712 how come u tasted it

[@dopiaza2006]

The final 'the frequency' is actually 'don't fuck with me' on most versions.

[@mireyacoronado6200]

I am so glad that I found this channel to enjoy the music and excellent reviews from you. Keep up the good work, and I am also happy you found this community where you can be expressive! Know that there's a lot of people that appreciate what you do in this channel! Long Live Rock n Roll 🤘🤘

[@drg3712]

Lyrically, Stipe is just amazing - really under-rated as a lyricist I think. And by that, I mean I have no clue what he’s on about in 98% of their songs. It’s an odd comparison… but he reminds me of Mark E Smith that way… you listen to the song.. wonder about the meaning fans lyrics.. read the lyrics… and then go…. Wow, I still have no clue but that is pretty cool.

[@InsignificantNick]

Lol love that

[@InsignificantNick]

Lol love that

[@scottbaron121]

That's because you couldn't understand wtf he was saying! LOL! Hell...back in the day, the liner notes were often wrong or ambiguous!

[@viceroyzh]

Being a fan of grunge, you may have come across these lines by Kurt Cobain: "Give me a Leonard Cohen afterworld. So I can sigh eternally". Why not react to some Leonard Cohen songs - he influenced many (also R.E.M.). You could start with "Suzanne" (his first song) or "Famous blue raincoat" or "Avalanche" or some newer songs like "Nevermind" or "A street" or experience him live "Tower of Song" (live in London).

[@Tomek_z_Chicago]

I love the bass line in this song.

[@Dreyno]

I bought a Vox amp because of this. Les Paul, ProCo Rat, Vox. Perfection.

[@Dreyno]

The Church - Metropolis Houndmouth- Sedona The Sundays - Skin and Bones You’ll like/love all 3 songs. Almost guaranteed.

[@scottbaron121]

I grew up and went to school in Atlanta in the mid-late 80's. REM are LEGENDS in the Atlanta/Athens area and were groundbreaking for the time. Monster was a departure for them and is pretty controversial amongst REM fans. Some absolutely HATE this record. From Murmur to Fables to Document...this album is VERY different.

[@johnyork4185]

Wish I could be there discovering REM fir the first time. Especially when put in historical context pre-Cobain they changed everything. The definitely didn't need to use a catchphrase like Kenneth to gain listeners though they were the biggest band on the planet at the time.

[@Glutzie]

Huh never knew they said Kenneth or much of the other lyrics. Liked the song back in the day. I always took voices as another instrument

[@ollythorp5428]

Try some early (1980s) REM if you like their grunge sound. Youre probably more familiar with their more commercial 1990s sound ...

[@InsignificantNick]

Yes, I should listen to their 80s stuff.

[@martinmartin1363]

I’ve always wondered what the frequency was and l guess many do and it drives you mad because the media of tv and now the internet wasn’t understood 50 years ago it was all new but it is watching us and inviting us in and it becomes part of our nervous system an extension of our mind and body, l am you and you are me and we are one, and to stop ourselves descending into madness we change the channel, but we are descending into madness, we just won’t face the facts, it’s to addictive and we are hooked line and sinker to the very dregs, and so we just keep amusing ourselves to death. It ends in madness or death, or we switch it off and save our sanity. Tune out, turn off, and detox

[@steadyed]

Texarkana next Bubba please

[@kathyedleman633]

If you want to hear a punchier song try "Orange Crush" :)

[@novanights2chevy597]

My only criticism is I think the rhythm guitar gets a bit tedious, squashing dynamics. I think I would have tried dropping it out in the verses or something. Then again, maybe they tried that and it sounded worse. Overall, love REM. Thanks for the reaction and analysis, Nick.

[@micv5149]

“This William guy would go on to kill somebody, so he was not a great guy I guess”, really?

[@btj-oo8xc]

REM's scruffiest album for years and their best. Lead single in the UK. Almost a Britpop sound with American references

[@InsignificantNick]

A britpop sounds, I totally agree!

[@musicaddict5076]

Very good album I agree. But Murmur is their best and it's not even close. This is probably in their top 5.

[@runningsuperska]

I love the Monster album. More grungey than usual.